Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved approximately 37% year-over-year adjusted EBITDA growth in 2025, with adjusted EBITDA margin expanding by 230 basis points [28][29] - Full year 2025 net sales for the North American business exceeded $15 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of approximately $2.3 billion [17] - The EMEA Packaging business reported full year 2025 net sales of approximately $8.5 billion and adjusted EBITDA of around $800 million [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America experienced significant progress with a run rate cost benefit of approximately $510 million, including $110 million related to footprint optimization in 2025 [28][29] - EMEA implemented 20 site closures affecting about 1,400 roles, with ongoing discussions for an additional 7 sites impacting 700 roles, expected to deliver run rate cost savings of over $160 million [44][45] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America is characterized by a high degree of supply integration and steady demand growth, while EMEA has more localized dynamics with relatively higher demand growth [12][13] - The company expects to outperform the industry growth in North America by approximately 2% in 2026, with the market anticipated to grow flat to up 1% [36][104] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to create two publicly traded, scaled regional packaging solution leaders in North America and EMEA, enhancing focus on distinct regional opportunities [6][11] - The 80/20 performance system will continue to guide the company's operations, focusing on simplifying, segmenting, resourcing, and growing to maximize long-term value for shareholders [8][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the trajectory for 2026, projecting enterprise net sales of $24.1 billion to $24.9 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $3.5 billion to $3.7 billion [47] - The company anticipates that the separation will enable both businesses to accelerate progress toward maximizing long-term profitable growth through greater speed, agility, and differentiation [11][49] Other Important Information - The separation of the EMEA Packaging business is expected to be completed within the next 12-15 months, with plans for the company to be listed on both the London and New York Stock Exchanges [26] - The company plans to invest approximately $400 million in EMEA throughout 2026 to fund ongoing transformation and 80/20 implementation [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide assumptions behind the Free Cash Flow guidance of $300 million-$500 million? - The company confirmed that price is not included in the guidance and has issued a price letter to customers [51][52] Question: Will the spin-off provide an opportunity to review the dividend policy? - Management stated that the current dividend policy will be maintained through 2026, with a review process in conjunction with shareholders post-spin [56][57] Question: Why is the separation process expected to take 12-15 months? - The company explained that the timeline is due to the accounting complexities involved, although they aim to expedite the process [68][70] Question: How confident is the company in achieving the projected second half performance in 2026? - Management expressed confidence based on actions already taken and the expected accumulation of benefits from ongoing initiatives [74][76] Question: Can you discuss the relative profitability of new volume wins versus lost business? - Management indicated that the new volume wins in North America are of high quality and have been achieved without chasing bad business, maintaining pricing discipline [86][88]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, the company achieved approximately 37% year-over-year adjusted EBITDA growth in North America, with adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter reaching $560 million [23][26] - The full year 2025 net sales for the standalone International Paper are projected to exceed $15 billion, with approximately $2.3 billion of adjusted EBITDA expected to accelerate rapidly over the next 24 months [14] - The company expanded adjusted EBITDA margin by 230 basis points in 2025, despite facing $958 million in accelerated depreciation due to footprint optimization and higher depreciation related to the DS Smith acquisition [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America saw significant progress with a $510 million run rate cost benefit achieved through the 80/20 plan, while EMEA is in the early stages of transformation with 20 site closures impacting approximately 1,400 roles [23][24] - The standalone EMEA Packaging business is projected to have full year 2025 net sales of approximately $8.5 billion and adjusted EBITDA of around $800 million [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America is characterized by a high degree of supply integration and steady demand growth, while EMEA has more localized dynamics with relatively higher demand growth [11] - The company expects to outperform the industry in both regions, with North America projected to grow 3-4 percentage points above the underlying market [23][41] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to create two publicly traded, scaled regional packaging solution leaders in North America and EMEA, aiming to maximize long-term value for shareholders [5][10] - The 80/20 performance system will continue to guide the company's operations, focusing on simplifying, segmenting, resourcing, and growing to drive sustainable value creation [6][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the trajectory for 2026, projecting enterprise net sales of $24.1 billion to $24.9 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $3.5 billion to $3.7 billion [41] - The company anticipates that the separation will enable both businesses to accelerate progress toward maximizing long-term profitable growth through greater speed, agility, and differentiation [10][43] Other Important Information - The separation of the EMEA Packaging business is expected to be completed within 12-15 months, with plans for the new company to be listed on both the London and New York Stock Exchanges [20] - The company plans to invest approximately $400 million in EMEA throughout 2026 to fund ongoing transformation and 80/20 implementation [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide details on the Free Cash Flow guidance? - The Free Cash Flow guidance of $300 million to $500 million does not include price impacts, and a price letter has been sent to customers [46][47] Question: How should we think about corporate costs relative to the guidance? - The guidance includes corporate costs, and there will not be a significant overall increase in corporate costs post-separation [58][61] Question: Why is the separation process expected to take 12-15 months? - The timeline is due to the accounting complexities involved in the separation, which is primarily an accounting exercise [64][66] Question: What confidence does the company have in achieving the second half targets for 2026? - The company has confidence due to actions already taken and the expectation that costs will normalize, leading to improved performance [70][72] Question: Can you discuss the relative profitability of new wins versus lost business? - The company has maintained pricing discipline and is confident that the new volume wins are of high quality and profitability [81][83]

Core Viewpoint - International Paper plans to create two independent, publicly traded companies focused on sustainable packaging solutions in North America and EMEA, aiming to enhance value creation and operational efficiency [1][3][8]. Group 1: Company Strategy and Structure - The separation will result in two distinct companies: one for North America and another for EMEA, each with tailored management and investment strategies [1][3]. - International Paper's North American business will focus on sustainable packaging solutions, leveraging both legacy IP and DS Smith assets to serve various industries [4][5]. - EMEA Packaging will operate as a standalone entity, emphasizing innovative customer solutions and sustainability, while reallocating resources for enhanced service [8][11]. Group 2: Financial and Operational Goals - The separation is expected to strengthen International Paper's position in North America, allowing for targeted capital allocation and improved operational focus [4][6]. - Following the separation, International Paper aims to accelerate investments in organic growth, productivity, and strategic acquisitions while maintaining a strong balance sheet [6][11]. - EMEA Packaging will continue to execute its 80/20 roadmap to optimize costs and drive innovation, with a focus on meeting evolving market demands [9][10]. Group 3: Leadership and Governance - Andy Silvernail will remain as Chairman and CEO of International Paper, while Tim Nicholls will lead the new EMEA Packaging company [7][12]. - The new EMEA company will have a robust investment-grade balance sheet and a dividend policy to support operational delivery and investment flexibility [11]. Group 4: Transaction Details - The separation is expected to be structured as a spin-off, with International Paper retaining a meaningful ownership stake in the new EMEA company [13]. - The completion of the separation is anticipated within 12-15 months, subject to customary conditions and approvals [14].

Core Viewpoint - Huhtamaki is enhancing its climate goals by adopting more stringent short-term emission reduction targets, aligning with the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5°C [1][2] Emission Reduction Targets - By 2030, Huhtamaki aims to reduce Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by over 50% and Scope 3 emissions by 25% compared to 2022 levels, with these targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) [1][8] - The company has committed to setting long-term emissions reduction targets with the SBTi, aiming for net-zero by 2050 [2] Climate Action Plan - The climate action plan includes various decarbonization strategies such as replacing fossil fuels, increasing the use of renewable energy, engaging with low-emission suppliers, and enhancing the renewable and recycled content in products [4] - Continuous improvement in operational efficiency is also a focus to reduce carbon emissions [4] Sustainability Strategy - In late 2025, Huhtamaki updated its sustainability ambitions to meet the evolving needs of the packaging industry, reinforcing accountability and technology-relevant targets [5] - Sustainability is central to Huhtamaki's strategy, aiming to be the preferred choice for sustainable packaging solutions [5] Broader Environmental Focus - The company is also focused on developing packaging that is recyclable, compostable, or reusable, made from responsibly sourced materials, while minimizing waste and reducing water consumption [6] - Collaboration with customers and partners is emphasized to deliver sustainable, cost-efficient, and user-friendly solutions [6] Company Overview - Huhtamaki is a leading global provider of sustainable packaging solutions, with a history of over 100 years and operations in 36 countries [9] - The company reported net sales of EUR 4.1 billion in 2024 and is listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki [9]

Core Points - International Paper announced the closure of its packaging facilities in Compton, California, and Louisville, Kentucky, with operations ceasing by January 2026 [1][2] - The closures will affect 125 employees in Compton and 93 employees in Louisville, with the company aiming to minimize the impact through attrition, retirements, and current vacancies [2] - The company is committed to supporting affected employees with outplacement assistance, mental health resources, and severance benefits [2][3] - The closures are part of International Paper's strategy to streamline operations and focus investments on facilities that enhance customer service and support strategic initiatives [3] - International Paper is a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, with net sales of $18.6 billion in 2024 and a recent acquisition of DS Smith to strengthen its position in North America and EMEA [4]

Core Insights - International Paper's Senior Vice President and CFO, Lance Loeffler, will present at the Citi 2025 Basic Materials Conference on December 3, 2025, at 8 a.m. Eastern Standard Time [1] - The presentation will be accessible via a webcast on the company's website, with a replay available approximately three hours post-presentation [2] - International Paper is a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, with operations in over 30 countries and more than 65,000 employees [3] - The company reported net sales of $18.6 billion for 2024 and acquired DS Smith in 2025, enhancing its position in the North American and EMEA markets [3] Company Information - International Paper trades on the NYSE under the ticker IP and on the LSE as IPC [3] - The company focuses on creating sustainable packaging solutions to enhance safety and productivity globally [3] - The CEO, Andy Silvernail, is scheduled to speak at the Baird 2025 Global Industrial Conference on November 11, 2025 [5]

Core Insights - International Paper Company (IP) reported a third-quarter 2025 adjusted loss of $0.43 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.53 earnings per share, impacted by $675 million in accelerated depreciation due to mill closures and strategic actions [1][11] - Net sales reached $6.22 billion, a 56.4% increase year-over-year, primarily driven by the acquisition of DS Smith, but fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.89 billion [2][11] - Gross profit rose 76.1% year-over-year to $1.94 billion, with a gross margin of 31.1%, up from 27.6% in the previous year [3] Financial Performance - Cost of sales was $4.29 billion, up 48.9% from $2.88 billion in the prior-year quarter [3] - Selling and administrative costs increased by 4.2% to $493 million from $473 million in the previous year [4] - Adjusted operating loss for the quarter was $224 million, compared to an adjusted operating profit of $113 million in Q3 2024 [4] Segment Performance - Packaging Solutions North America reported sales of $3.9 billion, a 7.1% increase year-over-year, but faced an operating loss of $166 million compared to a profit of $190 million in the prior-year quarter [7] - Packaging Solutions EMEA saw sales rise to $2.31 billion from $0.32 billion in the previous year, but reported an operating loss of $58 million, down from a profit of $7 million in the prior-year quarter [8] Cash and Debt Position - Cash and temporary investments totaled approximately $1 billion at the end of Q3, down from $1.06 billion at the end of 2024 [9] - Long-term debt increased to $8.99 billion from $5.36 billion at the end of 2024 [9] - Cash flow from operating activities was $0.79 billion in the first nine months of 2025, compared to $1.28 billion in the same period of 2024 [9] Stock Performance - The company's shares have declined by 6.5% over the past year, while the industry has seen a decline of 10.2% [12]

Core Insights - International Paper Company (IP) is set to report its third-quarter 2025 results on October 30, with expected revenues of $6.89 billion, reflecting a 47% year-over-year growth, while earnings per share (EPS) are projected to decline by 20.5% to 53 cents [1][7] Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for IP's third-quarter revenues is $6.89 billion, indicating a 47% increase from the previous year [1] - The earnings estimate has decreased by 3.6% over the past 60 days, suggesting a decline in profitability [1] - IP's earnings surprise history shows that the company has beaten estimates in two of the last four quarters, with an average surprise of 18.3% [3][4] Segment Performance - The Packaging Solutions EMEA segment is expected to generate net sales of $2.37 billion, a significant increase from $0.32 billion in the same quarter last year, with an operating profit projected at $54.2 million [10] - Packaging Solutions North America is anticipated to see a 6.3% year-over-year increase in net sales to $3.87 billion, with operating profit expected to rise by 112.7% to $404 million [11] - The Global Cellulose Fibers segment is forecasted to experience a 10.6% decline in net sales to $635 million, but an operating profit increase of 84.4% to $73.8 million is expected [11] Market Dynamics - The company is facing weak packaging demand due to inflationary pressures affecting consumer behavior, leading to a shift towards non-discretionary goods [12] - Despite these challenges, stable demand in the e-commerce sector and growth initiatives are expected to mitigate some of the negative impacts [12] Strategic Developments - On January 31, 2025, International Paper completed the acquisition of DS Smith, enhancing its position in sustainable packaging solutions [9] - The company plans to sell its Global Cellulose Fibers business for $1.5 billion, aligning with its strategy to focus on sustainable packaging [13][14] Stock Performance - International Paper's stock has increased by 4.1% over the past year, outperforming the industry average growth of 2.3% [15]

Core Insights - India Post has partnered with the Indian Institute of Packaging to develop sustainable packaging solutions for its parcel delivery services [1][5] - The collaboration aims to create cost-effective packaging alternatives that can replace traditional materials and meet global environmental standards [2][3] Group 1: Partnership Objectives - The partnership focuses on designing packaging suitable for air transport, especially for sensitive items [2] - New packaging solutions will be shock-resistant to ensure safe delivery across India's postal network [3] - The collaboration will benchmark current packaging practices against international standards to identify areas for improvement [3] Group 2: Implementation and Training - The Indian Institute of Packaging will prepare a pricing approach paper to evaluate the cost implications of switching to sustainable materials [4] - Training materials, including videos and graphics, will be created to educate postal staff on sustainable packaging methods [4] Group 3: Broader Initiatives - India Post operates a vast network of 165,000 post offices, aiming to enhance the safety and efficiency of its parcel services through this partnership [5] - The National Packaging Innovation Challenge, launched in May 2025, targets startups and student entrepreneurs to develop scalable and environmentally responsible packaging solutions [6] - This initiative aligns with the government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat agenda, focusing on strengthening packaging standards for small and medium-sized enterprises [6]

Core Insights - International Paper Company (IP) reported second-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of 20 cents per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 38 cents by 47% and reflecting a 64% year-over-year decline [1][10] - Net sales for the quarter reached $6.767 billion, a 42.9% increase from the previous year, but fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.770 billion [2][10] Financial Performance - The cost of sales was $4.88 billion, up 45.1% from $3.36 billion in the same quarter last year, while gross profit increased 37.6% year over year to $1.89 billion, resulting in a gross margin of 27.9%, down from 29% a year ago [3] - Selling and administrative costs rose to $578 million, a 27.6% increase from $453 million in the prior-year quarter, with adjusted operating profit at $105 million, down 45.6% from $193 million in Q2 2024 [4] Segment Performance - Packaging Solutions North America reported sales of $3.86 billion, a 6.4% increase year over year, but operating profit fell 1.4% to $277 million [6] - Packaging Solutions EMEA saw sales rise to $2.29 billion from $0.35 billion due to the integration of DS Smith, but reported an operating loss of $1 million compared to a profit of $10 million in the prior year [7] - Global Cellulose Fibers experienced a 12.4% decline in sales to $628 million, resulting in an operating loss of $4 million, down from a profit of $31 million in the same quarter last year [8] Cash and Debt Position - At the end of the second quarter, cash and temporary investments totaled $1.13 billion, slightly down from $1.17 billion at the end of 2024 [9] - Long-term debt increased to $9.69 billion from $5.34 billion as of the end of 2024, with cash flow from operating activities at $188 million in the first half of 2025, compared to $760 million in the same period of 2024 [11] Stock Performance - The company's shares have increased by 19.6% over the past year, while the industry has seen a rise of 28.5% [12]